Ajay Saraf

CKA Birla Group, is a US$3 billion multi-industry conglomerate with a 160-year legacy, Operating across 5 continents with over 35,000 employees .The group is a market leader in technology, automotive, healthcare, and home & building solutions, maintained through 50+ world-class manufacturing facilities."

As a critical strategic partner to the Managing Director, I oversee various business operations, including Business Planning, P&L Management, Sales, Marketing, Design, and Customer Service. My strategic leadership include facilitating technology transfer, driving competitive differentiation, optimizing production efficiency, and maximizing profitability. I define our go-to-market strategy, refine account planning, sales methodologies, and processes to align with our high-growth agenda. Additionally, I develop product positioning and marketing themes tailored to target customer demographics, ensuring successful product launches and maintaining a customer-centric culture focused on delivering exceptional experiences. Driving NPS , LEAN working , employee productivity being some of the key areas of thrust .

I played a key role in setting up the B2B vertical literally from scratch for our full range of products, achieving sustainable business results with a focus on growth and profitability. By modernizing Supply Chain and Innovation processes, I drove phenomenal sales growth and introduced new technology-based products like EV chargers and Fire alarm systems, lighting automation etc in Indian market .As a leader, I spearheaded Technology Transfer initiatives from Panasonic Japan, supported marketing and business development programs, and focused on forward-looking market development activities. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I built a high-performing team that contributed to remarkable business growth in just two years. Inspite of the space being dominated by large MNCs who were present in Indian market for decades , We could create a dominant space for ourselves in a very short span of time . Furthermore, I strengthened our industry presence by networking with prestigious institutions like CREDAI, ELCOMA, IEEMA, and NAREDCO.

I managed P&L, devised and executed sales strategy, and developed business plans for lighting solutions for key customers in India. Leading Marketing, Product Development, and Supply Chain teams, I introduced new products to enhance market competitiveness and industry influence. By restructuring the B2B business, revamping the Business Strategy, Go-to-Market approach, Product Portfolio, and Team Management, we secured major deals with esteemed companies like Tata Steel, TCS, Amazon, KPMG, Citibank, Wells Fargo, etc. Within just 18 months, I have doubled the company's turnover, positioning Havells as a dominant manufacturing and technology-driven company. I played a key role in establishing a technical JV between Havells and Wtec Germany (an Intelligent building technology company ) further solidifying our presence in the Indian market.

I designed and implemented strategies to achieve strategic business objectives. I along with the team developed tailored proposals for potential customers, prepared sales forecasts, and identified new market opportunities. Managing productivity initiatives, I collaborated with different teams and led the System and Service vertical ( a new global initiative by Royal Philips to go beyond only product / box selling ) successfully managing key accounts like Intel, Columbia Asia, and Accenture. Our one-stop-shop solution resulted in increased revenues and improved profitability, encapsulating sales of products along with project financing, life cycle services, and much more.